Asia Minute: Two Countries Talking, Four Others Watching Closely

We’re just a few days away from President Trump’s scheduled meeting with North Korea’s Kim Jong Un in Singapore. And while global attention has been focused on these two leaders, several others will be affected by whatever takes place in Singapore.

Listen

Listening...

/

1:29

Assuming President Trump and Kim Jong Un do get together in Singapore next week, the world really will be watching. Some countries more closely than others.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in played a crucial role in laying the groundwork for the meeting, and has made it known that he’d like to meet with both leaders after they talk in Singapore.

China arranged a pair of meetings between President Xi Jinping and Kim in China over the past three months.

The South China Morning Post reports China is considering sending fighter jets to escort Kim through Chinese airspace on the way to Singapore – in part as a reminder that China remains a key part of regional diplomacy.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was eager to meet President Trump before the Singapore event; according to a count by Reuters, the two leaders have now spoken more than 30 times since Trump took office – including nine face-to-face meetings.

Related Content

What to do about vacation rentals is an issue around the state. But while Hawaii’s legislature has not been able to agree on state-wide measures, in Japan a new national law takes effect a week from tomorrow. And it’s already having an impact.

Two of the largest grocery store chains in Australia are taking new steps to cut down on the amount of waste they produce. It’s the latest development in a series of moves aimed at curbing waste in Australia. HPR’S Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.